Sony DCR-DVD405, DCR-DVD805 Operating Instruction

Operating Guide

DCR-DVD405/DVD805

2-661-363-11(1)

Enjoying with your DVD Handycam 14

Getting Started 20

Easy	33
Handycam
Recording	40
/Playback
Playback on DVD devices	54
Using the Recorded disc	61
Using the Setup items	64
Editing on DVD Handycam	84
Dubbing, Printing	92
Using a Computer	99
Troubleshooting	105
Additional Information	128
Glossary, Index	141

© 2006 Sony Corporation

power cord

WARNING

To reduce fire or shock hazard, do not expose the unit to rain or moisture.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

This symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

2

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS

For your protection, please read these safety instructions completely before operating the appliance, and keep this manual for future reference.

Carefully observe all warnings, precautions and instructions on the appliance, or the one described in the operating instructions and adhere to them.

Use

Power Sources

This set should be operated only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of electrical power supplied to your home, consult your dealer or local power company. For those sets designed to operate from battery power, or other sources, refer to the operating instructions.

Cleaning

Unplug the set from the wall outlet before cleaning or polishing it. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol cleaners. Use a cloth lightly dampened with water for cleaning the exterior of the set.

Installation

Water and Moisture

Do not use power-line operated sets near water – for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.

Power-Cord Protection

Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to the plugs, receptacles, and the point where the cord exits from the appliance.

Polarization

This set may be equipped with a polarized ac power cord plug (a plug having one blade wider than the other).

This plug will fit into the power outlet only one way. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug should still fail to fit, contact your electrician to have a suitable outlet installed. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized plug by forcing it in.

Overloading

Do not overload wall outlets, extension cords or convenience receptacles beyond their capacity, since this can result in fire or electric shock.

Object and Liquid Entry

Never push objects of any kind into the set through openings as they may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts that could result in a fire or electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on the set.

Attachments

Do not use attachments not recommended by the manufacturer, as they may cause hazards.

Accessories

Do not place the set on an unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The set may fall, causing serious injury to a child or an adult, and serious damage to the set. Use only a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table recommended by the manufacturer.

Ventilation

The slots and openings in the cabinet are provided for necessary ventilation. To ensure reliable operation of the set, and to protect it from overheating, these slots and openings must never be blocked or covered.

–Never cover the slots and openings with a cloth or other materials.

–Never block the slots and openings by placing the set on a bed, sofa, rug, or other similar surface.

–Never place the set in a confined space, such as a bookcase, or built-in cabinet, unless proper ventilation is provided.

–Do not place the set near or over a radiator or heat register, or where it is exposed to direct sunlight.

3

IMPORTANT SAFEGUARDS (continued)

Lightning

For added protection for this set during a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from the wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable system. This will prevent damage to the set due to lightning and power-line surges.

Safety Check

Upon completion of any service or repairs to the set, as the service technician to perform routine safety checks (as specified by the manufacturer) to determine that the set is in safe operating condition.

Service

Damage Requiring Service

Unplug the set from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualified service personnel under the following conditions:

–When the power cord or plug is damaged or frayed.

–If liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the set.

–If the set has been exposed to rain or water.

–If the set has been subject to excessive shock by being dropped, or the cabinet has been damaged.

–If the set does not operate normally when following the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls that are specified in the operating instructions. Improper adjustment of other controls may result in damage and will often require extensive work by a qualified technician to restore the set to normal operation.

–When the set exhibits a distinct change in performance – this indicates a need for service.

Servicing

Do not attempt to service the set yourself as opening or removing covers may expose you to dangerous voltage or other hazards.

Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Replacement parts

When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer that have the same characteristics as the original parts. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards.

4

Read this first

Before operating the unit, please read this manual thoroughly, and retain it for future reference.

CAUTION

The use of optical instruments with this product will increase eye hazard. Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those specified herein may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

Replace the battery with the specified type only. Otherwise, fire or injury may result.

For customers in the U.S.A. and CANADA

RECYCLING LITHIUM-ION BATTERIES

Lithium-Ion batteries are recyclable. You can help preserve our environment byreturningyour used rechargeable batteries to the collection and recycling location nearest you.

For more information regarding recycling of rechargeable batteries, call toll free 1-800-822- 8837, or visit http://www.rbrc.org/

Caution: Do not handle damaged or leaking Lithium-Ion batteries.

Owner’s Record

The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom. Record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to these numbers whenever you call upon your Sony dealer regarding this product.

Model No. DCR-DVD

Serial No.

Model No. AC-

Serial No.

For customers in the U.S.A.

If you have any questions about this product, you may call:

Sony Customer Information Center 1-800-222-SONY (7669).

The number below is for the FCC related matters only.

Regulatory Information

Declaration of Conformity

Trade Name: SONY Model No.: DCR-DVD405

Responsible Party:Sony Electronics Inc.

Address: 16450 W. Bernardo Dr, San Diego, CA 92127 U.S.A.

Telephone No.: 858-942-2230

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

CAUTION

You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate this equipment.

Note

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or

5

television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

–Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

–Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

–Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

–Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/ TV technician for help.

The supplied interface cable must be used with the equipment in order to comply with the limits for a digital device pursuant to Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

Notes on use

Your camcorder is supplied with two kinds of operations guides.

–“Operating Guide” (This manual)

–“First Step Guide” for using your camcorder with the computer connected (stored on the supplied CD-ROM)

On the discs you can use in your camcorder

You can use 8cm DVD-Rs, 8cm DVD-RWs and 8cm DVD+RWs only. Use the discs with marks listed below. See page 16 for details.

On the types of “Memory Stick” you can use in your camcorder

There are two sizes of “Memory Stick.” You can use “Memory Stick Duo” marked with or (p.131).

“Memory Stick Duo” (This size can be used with your camcorder)

“Memory Stick”

(You cannot use it in your camcorder.)

•You cannot use any type of memory card except “Memory Stick Duo.”

•“Memory Stick PRO” and “Memory Stick PRO Duo” can be used only with “Memory Stick PRO” compatible equipment.

6

When using a “Memory Stick Duo” with “Memory Stick” compatible equipment

Be sure to insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the Memory Stick Duo Adaptor.

Memory Stick Duo Adaptor

On using the camcorder

• Do not hold the camcorder by the following parts.

Notes on the Setup items, LCD screen, viewfinder, and lens

•A setup item that is grayed out is not available under the current recording or playback conditions.

•The LCD screen and the viewfinder are manufactured using extremely highprecision technology, so over 99.99% of the pixels are operational for effective use. However, there may be some tiny black pointsand/orbright points(white,red, blue, or green in color) that appear constantly on the LCD screen and the viewfinder. These points are normal.

Viewfinder

LCD screen

Battery

•The camcorder is not dustproofed, dripproofed or waterproofed. See “Maintenance and precautions” (p.135).

•To prevent discs from being broken or recorded pictures from being lost, do not do the following when either of the respective lamps of the POWER switch (p.24) or the ACCESS lamp (p.28) is on:

–to remove the battery pack or AC Adaptor from the camcorder.

–to apply mechanical shock or vibration to the camcorder.

•Before connecting your camcorder to another device with a USB cable etc., be sure to insert the connector plug in the proper direction. If you insert the connector plug forcibly in the wrong direction, the terminal may be damaged, or this may cause a malfunction of your camcorder.

Black point White, red, blue or green point

•Exposing the LCD screen, the viewfinder, or the lensto direct sunlight for long periods of time may cause malfunctions. Be careful when placing the camera near a window or outdoors.

•Do not aim at the sun. Doing so might cause your camcorder to malfunction. Take pictures of the sun only in low light conditions, such as at dusk.

7

Read this first (continued)

On recording

•Before starting to record, test the recording function to make sure the picture and sound are recorded without any problems. You cannot delete images once you record them on a DVD-R. Use a DVD-RW/DVD+RW for trial recording (p.16).

•Compensation for the contents of recordings cannot be provided, even if recording or playback is not possible due to a malfunction of the camcorder, storage media, etc.

•TV color systems differ depending on the countries/regions. To view your recordings on a TV, you need an NTSC system-based TV.

•Television programs, films, video tapes, and other materials may be copyrighted. Unauthorized recording of such materials may be contrary to the copyright laws. You cannot dub copyright protected software on your camcorder.

On this manual

•The images of the LCD screen and the viewfinder used on this manual are captured using a digital still camera, and thus may appear different from what you see.

•Design and specifications of recording media and accessories are subject to change without notice.

•Disc in this Operating Guide refers to 8cm DVD discs.

•Available operations depend on the disc used. The following marks are used for the different DVD formats.

DVD

+RW

•The on-screen displays in each local language are used for illustrating the operating procedures. Change the screen language before using your camcorder if necessary (p.81).

About the Carl Zeiss lens

Your camcorder is equipped with a Carl Zeiss lens, which was developed jointly by Carl Zeiss, in Germany, and Sony Corporation, and produces superior images.

It adopts the MTF* measurement system for video cameras and offers a quality typical of a Carl Zeiss lens.

Also, the lens for your camcorder is T*- coated to suppress unwanted reflections and faithfully reproduce colors.

*MTF stands for Modulation Transfer Function. The number value indicates the amount of light from a subject coming into the lens.

8

9

Table of Contents
Enjoying with your DVD Handycam
What you can do with your DVD Handycam...........................................	14
Choosing a disc ......................................................................................	16
Using your DVD Handycam ....................................................................	18
Getting Started
Step 1: Checking supplied items.............................................................	20
Step 2: Charging the battery pack ..........................................................	21
Step 3: Turning the power on, and holding your camcorder ...................	24
Step 4: Adjusting the LCD screen and viewfinder...................................	25
Step 5: Using the touch panel.................................................................	26
Step 6: Setting the date and time............................................................	27
Step 7: Inserting a disc or a “Memory Stick Duo” ...................................	28
Step 8: Selecting the aspect ratio (16:9 or 4:3) of the recording picture
................................................................................................................	31
Easy Handycam - using your camcorder with automatic
settings
Using Easy Handycam operation............................................................	33
Recording with ease ...............................................................................	34
Playing back with ease ...........................................................................	36
Preparation for playing back on a DVD player (Finalizing) .....................	38
Recording/Playback
Recording................................................................................................	40
Playback .................................................................................................	42
Functions used for recording/playback, etc. ...........................................	44

Recording

To use zoom

To record sound with more presence (5.1ch surround recording) To use the flash

To record in dark places (NightShot)

To adjust the exposure for backlit subjects (BACK LIGHT)

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To adjust the focus for an off center subject
To fix the exposure for the selected subject
To record in mirror mode
To add special effects
To use a tripod
To attach the shoulder belt
Playback
To use Playback zoom
To play back a series of still images (Slide show)
Recording/playback
To check the remaining battery
To turn off the operation confirmation beep
To initialize the settings (RESET)
Other part names and functions
Checking/Deleting the last scene (Review/Review deleting) ..................	48
Indicators displayed during recording/playback ......................................	49
Remote Commander ...............................................................................	51
Playing the picture on a TV .....................................................................	52
Playback on DVD devices
Making the disc compatible with playback on DVD devices or
DVD drives (Finalizing)............................................................................	54
Playing back a disc on DVD devices, etc. ...............................................	58
Playing back a disc on a computer with a DVD drive installed................	59

Using the Recorded disc (DVD-RW/DVD+RW)

Recording additional scenes after finalizing ............................................	61
Deleting all of the scenes on the disc (Formatting) .................................	62
Using the Setup items
Using the Setup items .............................................................................	64
Setup items .............................................................................................	66
CAMERA SET....................................................................................	68
Settings to adjust your camcorder to the recording conditions
(EXPOSURE/WHITE BAL./STEADYSHOT, etc.)
STILL SET .........................................................................................	72
Settings for still images
(BURST/QUALITY/IMAGE SIZE, etc.)

11

Table of Contents (continued)
PICT.APPLI. ....................................................................................	74
Special effects on pictures or additional functions on recording/playback
(PICT.EFFECT/D.EFFECT, etc.)
MEDIA SET .......................................................................................	76
Settings for discs and “Memory Stick Duo”
(FORMAT/FINALIZE/UNFINALIZE, etc.)
STANDARD SET..............................................................................	77
Settings while recording on a disc or other basic settings
(REC MODE/LCD/VF SET/USB SPEED, etc.)
TIME/LANGU. .................................................................................	81
(CLOCK SET/AREA SET/LANGUAGE, etc.)
Customizing Personal Menu ...................................................................	82
Editing on DVD Handycam
Copying the still images ..........................................................................	84
Deleting still images from the “Memory Stick Duo” .................................	86
Editing the original data ..........................................................................	87
Creating the Playlist ................................................................................	88
Playing the Playlist..................................................................................	91
Dubbing, Printing
Dubbing to VCR/DVD devices ................................................................	92
Recording images from a TV or VCR/DVD device .................................	94
Printing recorded still images (PictBridge compliant printer) ..................	96
Jacks to connect external devices ..........................................................	98
Using a Computer
Before referring to the “First Step Guide” on your computer...................	99
Installing software and “First Step Guide”.............................................	101
Viewing “First Step Guide” ....................................................................	104

12

Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting.....................................................................................	105
Warning indicators and messages ........................................................	123
Additional Information
Using your camcorder abroad ...............................................................	128
About the disc........................................................................................	130
About the “Memory Stick”......................................................................	131
About the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack...................................................	133
Maintenance and precautions ...............................................................	135
Specifications ........................................................................................	139
Glossary, Index
Glossary ................................................................................................	141
Index......................................................................................................	143

13

Enjoying with your DVD Handycam

What you can do with your DVD Handycam

Your DVD Handycam records image data on 8cm DVD*.

It is more convenient than video tape and far more versatile.

Taking beautiful shots easily

No rewinding to start recording (p.34, 40)

Recorded images are stored in empty areas on the disc so there is no risk that valuable recordings are accidentally overwritten.

Since no rewinding is necessary prior to recording, you can start shooting any time you desire.

A disc can store both movie and still images.

• Still images can be recorded on the disc or “Memory Stick Duo.”

You can find a scene quickly using a VISUAL

INDEX screen.(p.36, 42)

The VISUAL INDEX screen allows you to check disc content at a glance. All you have to do is touch the scene you want to view.

The disc does not wear out no matter how many times you play it back. The precious moments you have captured on disc last forever.

Records widescreen format and 5.1ch surround sound (p.31, 44)

You can record high quality widescreen images on a wide LCD screen that shows the same 16:9 angle of view as a wide TV. Realistic 5.1ch surround sound can also be directly recorded onto the disc.

* DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) is a high-capacity optical disc.

14

Arecorded disc can be played back on a variety of devices

Playback on a DVD device or DVD drive (p.38, 54)

You can play back recorded and finalized** discs on a home DVD device, DVD recorder or DVD drive of a computer that supports 8cm disc.

When finalizing the disc, you can create still image slide shows and DVD menus to enable quick access to scenes you want to view.

Playback on widescreen TV and home theater (p.44, 52)

Images recorded in widescreen format can be played back on a wide TV with complete panoramic effect. Discs are also recorded with 5.1ch surround sound to provide full sound on a home theater.

Connecting DVD Handycam to a computer

High-speed image transfer (p.99)

Image data can be quickly transferred to a computer without requiring playback.

Computers with Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) provide even faster image transfer.

Using the supplied software to edit and copy (p.99)

Picture Package, the software supplied with your DVD Handycam allows you to add music and effects to create your original DVD. Copying discs could not be easier enabling you to share your precious moments with family and friends.

Handycam DVD your with Enjoying

**Finalizing: a process to make it possible to play back recorded DVD on other DVD devices (see page 38 and 54).

15

Choosing a disc

Your DVD Handycam is compatible with 8cm DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD+RW. It does not support 12cm discs.

Recording format for DVD-RW

When you use a DVD-RW, you can choose the recording format from VIDEO mode or VR mode. In this manual, VIDEO mode is indicated as and VR mode as .

A recording format that is compatible with most DVD devices, especially after finalizing.

In VIDEO mode, only the most recent image can be erased.

A recording format that enables editing with your DVD Handycam (deleting and rearranging the order of images).

A finalized disc can be played back in DVD devices that support VR mode*1.

Disc format features

Disc and recording formats Glossary (p.141, 142)

Figures in parentheses ( ) indicate page numbers.

		DVD-R	DVD-RW			DVD+RW
Disc types and symbols
Symbols used in this manual
Both 16:9 (wide) and 4:3 movie can be	(31)	z	z		z	–
recorded on the same disc*2
Deleting the last recording immediately	(48)	–	z		z	z
Deleting recordings freely	(87)	–	–		z	–
Editing recordings on your camcorder	(87)	–	–		z	–
Using a disc repeatedly even if the disc	(62)	–	z		z	z
becomes full by formatting*3
Playing back recordings on other DVD	(38, 54)	z	z		z*1	z
devices if you finalize the disc
Playing back recordings on other DVD	(54)	–	–		–	z*4
devices even if you do not finalize the disc
Creating the DVD menu when you finalize	(57)	z	z		–	z
the disc

*1 Refer to the instruction manual of your DVD device to see whether it supports the VR mode of DVD-RW. *2 For still images, you can record them on the all types of discs.

*3 Formatting deletes all recordings and returns the recording medium to its original empty state. (p.62) Even when using a new disc, format it with your DVD Handycam (p.28).

*4 Do not use a DVD+RW before finalizing in a computer as this may result in a malfunction.

16

Recording time

Recording time per disc side

The minimum recording time is given in parentheses.

	unit: min.
Recording mode	Recording time
HQ (High Quality)	approx. 20 (18)
SP (Standard Play)	approx. 30 (18)
LP (Long Play)	approx. 60 (44)

Your DVD Handycam uses the VBR (Variable Bit Rate) format to automatically adjust image quality to suit the recording scene. This technology causes fluctuations in the recording time of a disc.

Movie containing quickly moving and complex images is recorded at a higher bit rate and this reduces the overall recording time.

VBR Glossary (p.142)

• The recording time for the movie drops when the disc also contains still images.

Disc use

For reliability durability of recording /playback, we recommend that you use Sony discs or discs with an * (for VIDEO CAMERA) mark for your DVD Handycam.

•Using a disc other than above may cause the unsatisfactory recording/playback or you may not be able to remove the disc from your DVD Handycam.

* Depending on the place you bought, the disc has a mark.

Handycam DVD your with Enjoying

Use of double-sided discs

Double-sided discs allow you to record both sides of a disc.

Recording on the A side

Place the disc in your DVD Handycam with the side with the outwards until it clicks.

symbol

symbol at the center facing

Place the symbol facing outwards.

Recording is made on the rear side.

•When using a double-sided disc, take care not to smudge the surface with fingerprints.

•When a double-sided disc is used in your DVD Handycam, recording/playback are performed on that side only. You cannot switch to record on or play back the other side with the disc set to the DVD Handycam. When recording/playback of one side is complete, remove the disc and turn it over to access the other side.

•The following operations are performed for each side of a double-sided disc.

–Finalizing (p.54)

–Unfinalizing (DVD-RW: VIDEO mode) (p.61)

–Formatting (p.62)

17

Using your DVD Handycam

1Preparing

(See page 20 to 31.)

Select the disc that best suits your needs.

Repeated use of a disc

To save recorded	To use one disc
images	repeatedly

What would you like to do after recording?

Deleting and editing	Playing back
images in your DVD	disc on a
Handycam	various DVD
	devices

The disc can be played back on various DVD devices

*Select the mode on your DVD Handycam and format (p.28).

The disc can be played back even without finalizing

2Shooting, deleting

and editing
	You cannot		You can delete or edit
(See pages 34, 40, 48	delete a		a recorded image
and 87.)	recorded		anytime (p.87).
	image.

3Viewing on your DVD Handycam

(See pages 36 and 42)

You can also connect it to a TV for viewing (p.52).

You can only delete the images you have just recorded (p.48).

Continued on the right page

18

4Viewing on another DVD device

(See pages 54 and 58.)

To view a disc recorded on your DVD Handycam on other DVD devices, you need to finalize it first.

	Finalize
DVD device /	DVD drive
DVD recorder

• The less the recording volume of the disc is, the more it takes time to finalize the disc.

The features of a finalized disc depend on disc type.

Finalize	Like commercially sold
	DVD, this disc can be
	played back in most DVD
	devices after finalizing.

Finalize

The disc can be played back Finalize in a device compatible with

the DVD-RW VR mode.

Recordings cannot be added even if there is free space left.

Unfinalizing allows you to add recordings (p.61).

Recordings can be added without unfinalizing.

The disc can be played back without finalizing.

But finalizing is required in some cases.

For details, see page 54.

Playback compatibility

Playback compatibility with any DVD device is not guaranteed. Refer to the instruction manual supplied with your DVD device or consult your dealer.

Handycam DVD your with Enjoying

19

Getting Started

Step 1: Checking supplied items

Make sure that you have following items supplied with your camcorder.

The number in the parentheses indicates the number of that item supplied.

•Discs and “Memory Stick Duo” are not supplied.

AC Adaptor (1) (p.21)

Power cord (1) (p.21)

A/V connecting cable (1) (p.52, 92, 94, 98)

USB cable (1) (p.96, 98)

Wireless Remote Commander (1) (p.51)

A button-type lithium battery is already installed.

Rechargeable battery pack

NP-FP60 (1) (p.22)

Cleaning cloth (1)

CD-ROM “Picture Package Ver.1.8.1” (1) (p.99)

Operating Guide (This manual) (1)

20

Step 2: Charging the battery pack

You can charge the battery after attaching the “InfoLITHIUM” battery pack (P series) (p.133) to your camcorder.

•You cannot use an NP-FP30 battery pack with your camcorder. (See the reverse side of the battery pack for the model number.)

Installing the battery pack with excess force may lead to camcorder malfunction such as deterioration in battery pack performance or difficulty in removing the battery pack.

POWER switch

CHG lamp

DC IN jack

Battery

Jack cover

AC Adaptor

DC plug

Power cord

To the wall outlet

1 Slide the battery pack in the direction of the arrow until it clicks.

2 Slide the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow to set it to OFF (CHG) (The default setting).

3 Connect the AC Adaptor to the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

Open the jack cover to connect the AC Adaptor.

Match the v mark on the DC plug with v mark on your camcorder.

Jack cover

Started Getting

4 Connect the power cord to the AC Adaptor and the wall outlet.

The CHG (charge) lamp lights up and charging starts.

21

Step 2: Charging the battery pack (continued)

5 The CHG (charge) lamp turns off when the battery is fully charged. Disconnect the AC Adaptor from the DC IN jack on your camcorder.

•Disconnect the AC Adaptor holding both your camcorder and the DC plug.

To remove the battery pack

Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG). Slide the BATT (battery) release lever and remove the battery pack.

BATT (battery) release lever

Recording time

Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.

	Battery pack	Continuous	Typical
		recording	recording
		time	time*
		50	25
	NP-FP50	55	30
		60	30
	NP-FP60	85	40
		90	45
	(supplied)
		95	50
		120	60
	NP-FP70	125	65
		135	70
		145	70
	NP-FP71	155	75
		160	80
		220	110
	NP-FP90	235	120
		245	125

•When you remove the battery pack, make sure that none of the respective lamps of the POWER switch (p.24) is on.

When storing the battery pack

Use up the battery pack completely if you do not intend to use it for a long time (p.133).

To use an outside power source

Make the same connections as you do when charging the battery pack. The battery pack will not lose its charge in this case.

Charging time (full charge)

Approximate time (min.) required when you fully charge a fully discharged battery pack.

Battery pack	Charging time
NP-FP50	125
NP-FP60 (supplied)	135
NP-FP70	155
NP-FP71	170
NP-FP90	220

22

*Typical recording time shows the time when you repeat recording start/stop, turning the power on/ off and zooming.

•Times shown vary according to the following conditions.

–Top: When the LCD backlight turns on.

–Middle: When the LCD backlight turns off.

–Bottom: Recording time when recording with the viewfinder while the LCD panel is closed.

Playback time

Approximate time (min.) available when you use a fully charged battery pack.

	Battery pack	LCD screen	LCD screen
		opened*	closed
	NP-FP50	90	110
	NP-FP60	110	120
	(supplied)
	NP-FP70	200	235
	NP-FP71	235	280
	NP-FP90	345	415

* When the LCD backlight turns on.

On the battery pack

•Before changing the battery pack, slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

•The CHG (charge) lamp flashes during charging, or BATTERY INFO (p.47) will not be correctly displayed under the following conditions.

–The battery pack is not attached correctly.

–The battery pack is damaged.

–The battery pack is fully discharged. (For BATTERY INFO only.)

•The power will not be supplied from the battery as long as the AC Adaptor is connected to the DC IN jack of your camcorder, even when the power cord is disconnected from the wall outlet.

•We recommend that you use an NP-FP70, NPFP71 or NP-FP90 battery pack when a video light (optional) is attached.

On the charging/recording/playback time

•Times measured with the camcorder at 25 °C (77°F). (10-30°C (50-86°F) is recommended.)

•Available recording and playback time will be shorter when you use your camcorder in low temperatures.

•The available recording and playback time will be shorter depending on the conditions under which you use your camcorder.

On the AC Adaptor

•Connect the AC Adaptor to an easily accessible wall outlet close by. If any trouble occurs while using the adaptor, immediately shut off the power by disconnecting the plug from the wall outlet.

•Do not use the AC Adaptor placed in a narrow space, such as between a wall and furniture.

•Do not short-circuit the DC plug of the AC Adaptor or battery terminal with any metallic objects. This may cause a malfunction.

PRECAUTION

•The set is not disconnected from the AC power source (house current) as long as it is connected to the wall outlet, even if the set itself has been turned off.

Started Getting

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Step 3: Turning the power on, and holding your camcorder

To record, slide the POWER switch to turn on the respective lamp.

When using it for the first time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears (p.27).

POWER switch

Lens cover

1 Turn on the power by sliding the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow while pressing the green button in the center.

When you record, switch the power mode by sliding the POWER switch in the direction of the arrow until the respective lamp lights up.

2 Hold your camcorder correctly.

3 Ensure a good grip, then fasten the belt.

Green button

(Movie): To record movies (Still): To record still images.

•When you turn on your camcorder, the lens cover opens up automatically.

•After you have set the date and time ([CLOCK SET], p.27), the next time you turn on the power of your camcorder, the current date and time will be displayed on the LCD screen for a few seconds.

To turn off the power

Slide the POWER switch to OFF (CHG).

•At the time of purchase, the power will be set to turn off automatically if you leaveyour camcorder without any operation attempted for approximately 5 minutes, to save battery power. ([A.SHUT OFF], p.80).

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Step 4: Adjusting the LCD screen and viewfinder

The LCD screen

Open the LCD screen 90 degrees to the camcorder (1),then rotate it to the best angle to record or play (2).

2 180

degrees DISP/BATT INFO (max.)

2 90 degrees 1 90 degrees to the (max.) camcorder

•Be careful not to press the buttons on the LCD frame accidentally when you open or adjust the LCD screen.

•If you open the LCD screen 90 degrees to the camcorder, then rotate it 180 degrees to the lens side, you can close it with the LCD screen side facing out. This is convenient during playback operations.

To turn off the LCD backlight to make the battery last longer

Press and hold DISP/BATT INFO for a few seconds until appears.

This setting is practical when you use your camcorder in bright conditions or you want to save battery power. The recorded picture will not be affected by the setting. To cancel, press and hold DISP/BATT INFO until disappears.

•See [LCD/VF SET] - [LCD BRIGHT] (p.78) to adjust the brightness of the LCD screen.

The viewfinder

You can view pictures using the viewfinder with the LCD panel closed to avoid wearing down the battery, or when the picture seen on the LCD screen is poor.

Viewfinder

Viewfinder lens adjustment lever

Raise the viewfinder and move it until the picture is clear.

•You can adjust the brightness of the viewfinder backlight by selecting [LCD/VF SET] - [VF B.LIGHT] (p.78).

The recorded picture will not be affected by the setting.

•You can adjust [FADER] and [EXPOSURE] while looking through the viewfinder (p.69, 75).

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Step 5: Using the touch panel

You can play back recorded pictures (p.36, 42), or change the settings (p.64) using the touch panel.

Touch the buttons displayed on the screen.

Support the rear of the LCD panel with the palm of your left hand. Then, touch the buttons displayed on the screen.

Touch the button on the LCD screen.

Changing the language setting

You can change the on-screen displays to show messages in a specified language. Select the screen language in [LANGUAGE] on the TIME/LANGU. (p.81).

DISP/BATT INFO

•Perform the same actions as explained above when you press the buttons on the LCD frame.

•Be careful not to press buttons on the LCD frame accidentally while using the touch panel.

•If the buttons on the touch panel do not work correctly, adjust the LCD screen. (CALIBRATION) (p.136)

To hide the screen indicators

Press DISP/BATT INFO to hide or show the screen indicators (counter, etc.).

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Step 6: Setting the date and time

Set the date and time when using this camcorder for the first time. If you do not set the date and time, the [CLOCK SET] screen appears every time you turn on your camcorder or slide the POWER switch.

•If you do not use your camcorder for about 3 months, the built-in rechargeable battery gets discharged and the date and time settings may be cleared from the memory. In that case, charge the rechargeable battery and then set the date and time again (p.137).

POWER switch

4 Select the desired geographical area with / , then touch .

5 Set [DST] or [SUMMERTIME] to

Skip to step 4 when you set the clock for the first time.

1 Touch t [SETUP].

2 Select

(TIME/LANGU.) with

/

, then touch

.

3 Select [CLOCK SET] with / , then touch .

[ON] with / , if necessary, then touch .

6 Set [Y] (year) with / , then touch .

CLOCK SET
AREA26			GMT -5.0
New York ,		Bogota
DST	OFF
DATE
JANM		1D	12:	00 AM
				OK

• You can set any year up to the year 2079.

7 Set [M] (month), [D] (day), hour and minute, then touch .

The clock starts.

For midnight, set it to 12:00 AM. For midday, set it to 12:00 PM.

•Refer to page 129 for information concerning “World time difference.”

•The recording date and time are not displayed during recording, but are automatically recorded onto the disc and you can check them during playback ([DATA CODE], p.78).

•Instead of [DST], [SUMMERTIME] is displayed for some models.

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Step 7: Inserting a disc or a “Memory Stick Duo”

Inserting a disc

A new 8cm DVD-R, DVD-RW, or DVD+RW is required for recording (p.16).

•Remove dust or fingerprints from the disc beforehand,using thecleaningclothsupplied with your camcorder (p.130).

ACCESS lamp (Disc)

POWER switch

1 Check that the power of your camcorder is on.

•You can remove the disc when a power source is connected to your camcorder even when your camcorder is turned off. However, the disc recognition process (step 4) does not start.

2 Slide the disc cover OPEN switch in the direction of the arrow (OPEN B).

[PREPARING TO OPEN] appears on the LCD screen. Then the opening melody sounds once, and the camcorder beeps. After the beeps stop, the disc cover opens slightly automatically.

Disc cover

OPEN switch

Pickup lens

When the disc cover opens slightly, open it further.

•Be careful not to obstruct the operation with your hand or other objects, etc., when opening or closing the disc cover. Move the belt to the bottom of the camcorder, then open or close the disc cover.

•If you catch the belt when closing the disc cover, it may cause your camcorder to malfunction.

3 Set the disc with the recording side facing your camcorder, then press

the center of the disc until it clicks.

Set the disc with the label side facing out when using a single-sided disc.

•Do not touch the disc with the recording side or pickup lens (p.137).

When using a double-sided disc, take care not to smudge the surface with fingerprints.

•If you close the disc cover with the disc set incorrectly, it may cause your camcorder to malfunction.

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4 Close the disc cover.

The [DISC ACCESS] screen appears. It may take some time to recognize the disc depending on the disc type and condition.

xDVD-R

You can start recording immediately after [DISC ACCESS] disappears from the LCD screen. You do not need to proceed to steps after step 5.

xDVD-RW

Select the recording format, then format the disc. Proceed to step 5. xDVD+RW

Select the aspect ratio of the recording picture, then format the disc. Proceed to step 6.

•During Easy Handycam operation (p.33), [Format the disc? If not, remove the disc.] appears. Touch , then proceed to step 8.

5 Select the recording format for a DVD-RW, and touch , then proceed to step 7.

FORMAT :	VIDEO
Can playback on
various DVD devices.
Cannot edit in Camcorder
VIDEO	VR
	OK

xVIDEO mode

You can play back the disc on most of DVD devices if you finalize it.

xVR mode

You can edit, delete pictures, or divide movies on your camcorder (p.87). However, the disc can be played back only on DVD devices that support VR mode when you finalize it.

6 Select the aspect ratio of the recording picture ([16:9 WIDE] or [4:3]) for DVD+RW, then touch .

Format again to change.			Getting
FORMAT :	16:9 WIDE
Select aspect ratio of
movie to be recorded.			Started
16:9	4:3
WIDE
		OK
x16:9 WIDE

You can record wide-angle highresolution pictures. If you intend to view pictures on a wide TV, selecting [16:9 WIDE] is recommended.

x4:3

You can record to play back pictures on a 4:3 TV.

7 Touch [YES] t [YES].

8 Touch when [Completed.] appears.

When the formatting is completed, you can start recording on the DVD-RW/ DVD+RW.

•Do not remove the battery pack or disconnect the AC Adaptor while formatting.

To remove the disc

Perform step 1 and 2 to open the disc cover, then remove the disc.

•Do not apply shockor vibrationtoyour camcorder while the ACCESS lamp lights up or flashes, or [DISC ACCESS] or [PREPARING TO OPEN] is displayed on the LCD screen.

•It may take some time to remove the disc depending on the disc condition or recorded materials.

•It may take up to 10 minutes to remove a disc if it is damaged or is dirty with fingerprints, etc. In that case, the disc might be damaged.

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Step 7: Inserting a disc or a “Memory Stick Duo” (continued)

•After your camcorder recognizes the disc, disc information such as the date you started to use it and information on previously recorded areas appears for about 8 seconds. The information on previously recorded areas may not be displayed correctly depending on the condition of the disc.

•To delete all of the previously recorded pictures from a DVD-RW/DVD+RW, then to use it again to record new pictures, see “Deleting all of the scenes on the disc (Formatting)” on page 62.

Inserting a “Memory Stick Duo”

You can use only a “Memory Stick Duo” marked with or

(p.131).

•The number of recordable pictures varies depending on the image quality or the image size. For details, see page 73.

1 Raise the viewfinder.

2 Open the Memory Stick Duo cover.

3 Insert the “Memory Stick Duo” into the Memory Stick Duo slot in the right direction until it clicks.

ACCESS lamp (“Memory Stick Duo”)

•If you force the “Memory Stick Duo” into the slot in the wrong direction, the Memory Stick Duo slot, or image data may be damaged.

4 Close the Memory Stick Duo cover and lower the viewfinder.

Memory Stick

Duo cover

To eject a “Memory Stick Duo”

Lightly push the “Memory Stick Duo” after following step 1 and 2.

•When the ACCESS lamp is lit or flashing, your camcorder is reading/writing data. Do not shake or knock your camcorder, turn the power off, eject the “Memory Stick Duo,” or remove the battery pack. Otherwise, image data may be damaged.

•Make sure that the “Memory Stick Duo” does not pop up and drop off when inserting and removing it from your camcorder.

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